RCMA Announces Speakers for 2018 International Roof Coatings Conference

March 30, 2018 by Leave a Comment

The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) has recently confirmed 12 topics for its third biennial International Roof Coatings Conference (IRCC), which will be held July 23-25 at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park in Chicago. The 2018 IRCC will feature the following speakers and topics selected by the RCMA IRCC Working Group:

  • “Chicago Energy Code & Rooftop Reflectivity Code Requirements,” Bill McHugh, Chicago Roofing Contractors Association
  • “Three Things Every Roof Coatings Manufacturer Needs to Know about the New TSCA Law,” Martha Marrapese, Wiley Rein LLP
  • “OSHA Inspection & Citation Process,” Trent Cotney, Cotney Construction Law, LLP
  • “Urban Heat Islands and Cooler Infrastructure: An Experimental High-Albedo Roof Coating Study,” Thomas Taylor, GAF
  • “Coating Transparency: Environmental Product Declarations and Harvested Rainwater Quality,” Jason Carlson, Underwriters Laboratory
  • “Exploring Primers for Silicone Roof Coatings over TPO Membranes,” Hans Haas, AB Specialty Silicones
  • “Formulating Roof Coatings for Adhesion and Asphalt Bleed-Through Resistance,” Brent Crenshaw, EPS Materials
  • “Effect of Silane Modification of Styrene Acrylic polymers for Construction Application,” Tamer Tezel, Organik Kimya
  • “Dirt Pickup Resistance: The Influence of Testing Parameters and formulation Variables on Performance,” Joseph Rokowski, Astec Reply Roofing
  • “Establishing ASTM D7281 “Standard Test Method for Determining Water Migration Through Roof Membranes as Appropriate for Roof Coatings,” Ed Buczek, Henry Company
  • “Waterborne Roof Coatings Meet European Waterproofing Standards,” Jouko Byorykka, Dow Europe
  • “Accelerating Film Formation of Acrylic Roof Coatings,” Sridhar Iyer, BASF

    • The conference will begin on July 23 and will continue through noon on July 25. Following the IRCC programming, the RCMA Summer Meeting, open to both RCMA members and non-members, will continue through the morning of July 26.

    For more information or to register, visit www.roofcoatingsconference.com.

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    RCMA Is Accepting Abstracts for International Roof Coatings Conference

    August 4, 2017 by Leave a Comment

    The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) is now accepting abstracts for its fourth biennial International Roof Coatings Conference (IRCC) program. The deadline for submission of abstracts is Oct. 31, 2017. 
     
    The 2018 IRCC will take place July 23-26, 2018, at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park, in Chicago. The conference will feature a host of networking opportunities, educational sessions, and other programming geared toward professionals involved in the roof coatings industry.  
     
    “Our last conference was a success, with an over 40 percent growth in attendance,” says Jared Rothstein, RCMA Industry Affairs Manager. “We expect that the 2018 IRCC will provide more opportunity for our industry to join together, discuss issues, consider emerging trends, and enjoy each other’s company.”
     
    Possible conference presentation topics include global market developments, green building trends, application practices, energy cost savings evaluations, roof coating formulation advancements, roof systems analysis, and in-situ field research. Roofing industry professionals, building envelope technology experts, material scientists, and those in the design community are encouraged to submit their abstracts for consideration.
     
    Those interested in presenting at the 2018 IRCC should visit the IRCC website for more information and to complete the abstract submission form.  A list of conference partnership, sponsorship, and exhibition opportunities is also available on the IRCC website. 

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    RCMA Recognizes OSHA Inaugural Safe and Sound Week

    June 15, 2017 by Leave a Comment

    To show its commitment to safety and health programs, the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) recognizes the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) inaugural Safe + Sound Week.
     
    OSHA Safe and Sound Week takes place June 12-18, 2017, and encourages organizations to hold events that center around three core elements: Management Leadership, Worker Participation, and Finding and Fixing Hazards. Safe and sound events have been scheduled across the country by a variety of different organizations.
     
    Safety and Health programs are essential because they can prevent workplace hazards. Identifying potential sources of injuries or illnesses and establishing procedures to fix them helps ensure the safety and health of workers and improves sustainability in the workplace.
     
    It is important to engage workers across all levels of the workplace in order to increase the flow of knowledge and communication across management sectors.
     
    “Sound Week represents a nationwide effort to raise awareness and understanding of the value of safety and health programs that include management leadership, encourage worker participation, and employ a systematic approach to finding and fixing hazards in the workplace before someone is injured,” says RCMA Executive Director Matt Coffindaffer. “RCMA and its members value workforce safety and welcome this opportunity to collaborate with OSHA and the other sponsors of Safe + Sound Week.”
     
    All participants can promote their commitment by using the hashtag #SafeAndSound on social media. Participants are also encouraged to share photos from Safe + Sound events, certificates of recognition, or their own injury and hazard prevention efforts.
     
    For a list of Safe + Sound Week events around the country and to learn more about OSHA’s commitment to a safe workplace and sound business, please visit here.

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    RCMA to Recognize the Roofing Industry During National Roofing Week

    May 24, 2017 by Leave a Comment

    To increase recognition of the significance of roofs to every home and business, stress the value of professional roofing contractors, and promote the good deeds of the industry, the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) will recognize National Roofing Week taking place June 4-10.
     
    The roof is one of the most important components of a building structure, yet it is often taken for granted until it falls into disrepair. Organized by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), National Roofing Week enables the roofing industry to engage stakeholders and inform the public about the essential role roofs and professional roofing contractors play in every community.
     
    “RCMA’s members are committed to providing advanced solutions to the commercial buildings market,” said Matt Coffindaffer, RCMA Executive Director. “National Roofing Week is an excellent time for manufacturers, contractors, building owners, and other shareholders to recognize the numerous advantages that roof coatings possess including their proven performance lives, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use.”
     
    Roof coatings serve to protect roofs against water, chemicals, and physical damage, extending the life of the roof system. This can reduce building-owner maintenance costs and avert landfill waste from re-roofing tear-offs. Roof coatings also have numerous benefits to energy use and the environment. Certain roof coatings are capable of reflecting visible light and infrared and ultraviolet radiation, leading to lower roof and interior temperatures. Lower roof temperatures in turn help reduce electrical cooling costs, decreasing the carbon footprint from buildings. Lower roofing surface temperatures also help diminish the Urban Heat Island Effect.
     
    The roofing community can use the hashtag #NationalRoofingWeek on social media to celebrate the good deeds of the industry; raise awareness about roofing maintenance and application best practices; and highlight the importance of workplace safety and the value of roofing professionals. 

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    RCMA Supports Campaign to Prevent Fall Fatalities and Injuries

    May 4, 2017 by Leave a Comment

    To increase awareness of construction fatalities caused by falls from elevation, the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) recognizes and supports the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) awareness campaign to prevent fall fatalities and injuries.
     
    Falls from elevation are a leading cause of death in the construction industry, and labor statistics indicate that the number of fatalities and injuries from falls have risen in recent years. Lack of proper fall protection is the most frequently cited OSHA violation.
     
    OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down Campaign takes place May 8 – 12, and will ask employers and workers to voluntarily devote work time to discuss safety hazards, protection, and fall prevention initiatives. Stand-Down events have been scheduled in all 50 states by a host of industry, community, educational, and nonprofit organizations.
     
    RCMA recommends that roofing inspections be performed by a roofing professional authorized and capable of making repairs. If homeowners or in-house staff are conducting inspections, they should always first attempt to observe the roof from the ground. Maintenance, repair, and coating applications should be coordinated by a properly trained building owner or by an experienced roof coatings applicator.
     
    “OSHA’s Safety Stand-Down highlights the safety risks inherent in roofing where specialists routinely perform high-elevation work,” says RCMA Executive Director Matt Coffindaffer. “We encourage RCMA members to participate in this event by taking a moment to emphasize safety issues and preventative practices, educate others about best practices, and open a dialogue with all shareholders to ensure a safe workplace environment.”
     
    Stand-Down participants can use the hashtag #StandDown4Safety on social media to help raise awareness for OSHA’s safety awareness campaign. Participants can also share photos of Stand-Down events, certificates of participation, or highlight their own fall prevention efforts.
     
    To learn more about OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down campaign to prevent falls in construction, please visit the website. 

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    RCMA Selects New Executive Director

    March 29, 2017 by Leave a Comment

    The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) has selected Matt Coffindaffer as its new Executive Director. Matt replaces Jim Kirby, who leaves RCMA to pursue his professional interests in architecture and building science.

    “RCMA has a management team supporting its members each and every day to bring a unified voice on issues important to the roof coatings industry,” says Kirby. “It has been an honor serving as Executive Director for RCMA, and I am happy to pass the torch to Matt.”

    Coffindaffer is a Certified Association Executive and has several years of experience working in Washington, D.C. in association management. Matt has served as Executive Director of the OpenTravel Alliance and led strategic initiatives for a number of associations including the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), the National Pest Management Association, and the National Council of Agricultural Employers. He is a 2016 recipient of the Association Forum USAE 40 under 40 and an ASAE NextGen alumni.

    “I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve the members of RCMA, our constituencies, and our industry,” says Coffindaffer. “I believe in the power of collaboration and in bringing people of all backgrounds and varying levels of experience and expertise to drive consensus, create new opportunities and value, and otherwise further the mission and vision of RCMA and our industry.”

    Coffindaffer completed both his undergraduate degree and M.B.A. from West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. In his free time, he likes to participate in triathlons and play recreational league soccer.

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    RCMA Presents Industry Awards, Names Two New Board Members

    March 15, 2017 by Leave a Comment

    The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) hosted more than 100 industry attendees at its 2017 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas. The association recognized a number of its members for their exceptional contributions to the roof coatings industry and elected two new individuals to its board of directors.

    RCMA’s Martin A. Davis Award, the highest honor bestowed by the RCMA, is presented annually to an individual, selected by his or her fellow RCMA members, who has exemplified outstanding service and made significant contributions to the roof coatings industry. The first Martin A. Davis Award was presented in 1985. The award was designed to honor and serve in memory of Davis, a visionary founding member of the RCMA who served both the Association and industry with distinction and exceptional service.

    RCMA awarded Greg Hlavaty, general manager at Western Colloid, the Martin A. Davis Industry Leadership Award for 2016. Hlavaty has been an active member of RCMA, serving on the board of directors and contributing his industry expertise to RCMA’s committees and task forces. The award was presented by fellow RCMA board member Helene Hardy Pierce, GAF, who recognized Hlavaty’s efforts in facilitating RCMA’s merger with the Reflective Roof Coatings Institute (RRCI). “Throughout Greg’s time with the RCMA, he has been a passionate advocate for the Association’s growth and development, and his efforts on behalf of the RCMA-RRCI merger have strengthened the outlook for our industry,” Pierce commented.

    RCMA awarded its James “Tim” Nelligan Industry Statesman Award to Matt Lendzinski, field marketing manager at the Dow Chemical Company. Lendzinski is the 10th recipient of the award, a discretionary distinction only designated when deemed appropriate. Industry Statesman Award recipients are honored for outstanding interest and activism in promoting the roof coatings industry and exemplary efforts to achieve significant advancements through the implementation of new technical programming, regulatory or governmental affairs incentives, research activities, technical publications, and RCMA and industry involvement.

    Lendzinski serves as the co-chair of the RCMA Communications, Membership, and Education Committee, and has been an invaluable resource for numerous activities and projects undertaken by the association. “Matt is a well-deserved honoree, and has been instrumental in the growth of RCMA’s membership and the development of its communications, educational, and outreach programs,” commented Jim Kirby, RCMA Executive Director.

    RCMA presented its Emerging Leader Award to Ryan Blad, national sales manager at 838 Coatings. First awarded in 2016, it serves to recognize an individual, less than 35 years of age or in the industry less than 3 years, who is making strides toward becoming a leader in the roof coatings industry, and who serves as a role model for his or her industry peers. Blad currently serves on the RCMA board of directors and is a co-chair of the RCMA Technical Affairs Committee, and has been consistently active in the development of the association’s technical and research programs.

    RCMA also presented a Special Recognition Award during its meeting to Brock Landry, Venable LLP, in acknowledgment of his exceptional service to the industry. Recently retired, Landry served as RCMA’s general counsel for numerous decades, and was well known as a valued advocate on behalf of the roof coatings industry. “Brock is recognized by his peers for his industry knowledge, expertise, and willingness to move the association forward,” commented Reed Hitchcock, RCMA senior advisor and historian.

    In addition to the awards that were presented, two new members were elected to the RCMA board of directors for the 2017-2020 term. Will Lorenz, General Coatings Manufacturing Corp., and Josh Poole, Tremco Inc., were elected by the RCMA membership to sit on the Board of Directors.

    Finally, Brian Anthony, vice president at the Brewer Company and outgoing RCMA board member, was recognized for his long-term service to the RCMA for his participation on the board of directors over the past 12 years.

    The RCMA will next convene June 19-21, 2017 in Washington, D.C., for the association’s 2017 Summer Meeting and Legislative Day.

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    RCMA, NSF International Create Roof Coating Materials PCR

    December 29, 2016 by Leave a Comment

    The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) and NSF International have created a product category rule (PCR) for roof coating materials. PCRs enable product environmental information to be more transparent and useful to the marketplace. Products covered in this PCR include fluid-applied and adhered coatings used for roof maintenance or roof repair, or as a component of a roof covering system or roof assembly. 
     
    Based on international environmental management guidelines (ISO 14025), a PCR defines how to conduct a life cycle assessment for a particular product group and what to include in the resulting report. A life-cycle assessment measures inputs, outputs and environmental impacts of a product across its lifespan. The environmental product declaration (EPD) is the third-party-verified report that explains the data generated from a life cycle assessment. What is included in the EPD is also defined by the PCR.

    The NSF International National Center for Sustainability Standards (NCSS) utilized an open consultative process to develop the PCR with participation from an expert panel of RCMA members, suppliers, regulatory agencies, environmental organizations and end users.  RCMA promotes the benefits of roof coatings and represents manufacturers of asphaltic and solar reflective roof coatings as well as suppliers to the roof coatings industry. 

    “This product category rule developed by RCMA and NSF International provides our industry a needed guideline for calculating and reporting the environmental attributes of roof coatings,” says Jim Kirby, executive director of RCMA. “The subsequent life cycle analyses developed by our members using the PCR can provide a basis for improvement to enable reductions in environmental impacts over time. We look forward to the positive impact this will have on the industry and those seeking more sustainable building products.”

    “As a manufacturer participating in the PCR development, we support our industry in providing transparent and science-based information to our customers,” says Douglas P. Mazeffa, environmental project manager at Sherwin Williams. “Our company is committed to helping customers make informed, environmentally-based purchasing decisions.”
     
    “Industries benefit from NSF International’s standards development process that was used to develop the PCR for roof coating materials,” states Jessica Slomka, manager of the NSF International National Center for Sustainability Standards. “By engaging RCMA members and other stakeholders, we help ensure the environmental impacts in the life cycle of a product are represented. The result is a defined set of rules that enable comparative data to be gathered and reported in a standardized fashion. This is crucial in helping builder’s source products that meet their environmental goals.”

    Verified environmental product declarations (EPDs) as defined by this PCR may help building projects qualify for points through the LEED v4 Material and Resource credits and comply with the International Green Construction Code (IgCC).   

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    RCMA Hosts Third Biennial Conference

    September 19, 2016 by Leave a Comment

    The Washington, D.C.-based Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) hosted its third biennial International Roof Coatings Conference (IRCC) at the Sonesta Hotel in Philadelphia, July 18-21, 2016. In partnership with 11 industry organizations, the conference offered educational news and updates to a variety of professionals involved in the roofing and building sciences industries.

    International Roof Coatings Conference attendees volunteered to apply reflective roof coatings to 18 row homes in north Philadelphia.

    International Roof Coatings Conference attendees volunteered to apply reflective roof coatings to 18 row homes in north Philadelphia.

    This year’s IRCC was attended by more than 170 industry representatives, resulting in more than 40 percent growth in attendance compared to 2014. Speakers delivered presentations about industry developments, emerging technologies, sustainability and economics. Speakers also shared research papers with meeting attendees and participated in dialogues about the future of the roof coatings industry. The IRCC concluded with a joint keynote presentation about industry innovation by Robért Hinojosa, president of Raleigh, N.C.-based RCI Inc., and Paul Bromfield, chief marketing officer of GAF, Parsippany, N.J.

    Prior to the conference, RCMA members volunteered in a roof coatings activity with the Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA), Philadelphia. Volunteers worked directly with ECA staff to apply reflective roof coatings on 18 row homes on the 1200 block of West Seltzer Street in north Philadelphia. The application of reflective roof coatings is just one part of ECA’s EnergyFit Philly program, which aims to preserve affordable housing in Philadelphia by repairing and providing deep-energy retrofits to low-income homes in extremely poor condition. RCMA members GAF; Arkema Inc., King of Prussia, Pa.; Acrymax Technologies Inc., Media, Pa.; and Palmer Asphalt Co., Bayonne, N.J., donated roof coat- ing products for use in the project. City Council President Darrell Clarke and Director of the Philadelphia Office of Sustainability Christine Knapp joined the RCMA/ECA event to thank volunteers for their contributions to the success of the EnergyFit Philly program.

    During the conference, John Ferraro, RCMA executive director, debuted RCMA’s Emerging Leader Award. The inaugural Emerging Leader Award is presented to an RCMA member who has made strides toward becoming a leader in the roof coatings industry and who serves as a role model for his or her industry peers. Benjamin Borns of Cleveland-based Sherwin-Williams was the award re- cipient. Borns currently serves as RCMA treasurer, is a member of the RCMA board of directors, co-chair of the RCMA Sustainability Task Force and spoke at this year’s IRCC. Following the award presentation, RCMA hosted an emerging leader’s reception, welcoming conference attend- ees under 35 years of age and/or with less than three years’ experience in the roof coatings industry.

    John Ferraro (left), Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association executive director, awards Benjamin Borns of Sherwin-Williams the inaugural Emerging Leader Award.

    John Ferraro (left), Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association executive director, awards Benjamin Borns of Sherwin-Williams the inaugural Emerging Leader Award.

    Following the conclusion of the IRCC, RCMA launched its Summer Membership Meeting program to update attendees about the status of RCMA’s projects and activities. Groups that provided updates included the RCMA Technical Affairs Committee, RCMA Reflective Roof Coating Institute and RCMA Government Affairs Committee. An in-person board of directors meeting immediately followed the presentations.

    RCMA will continue to host the IRCC biennially; the next conference will take place in 2018. Learn more about RCMA activities, programs and initiatives.

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    Choosing the Right Roof Coatings for Substrates Can Extend Roof Service Lives, Cool Temperatures and Save Energy

    September 19, 2016 by 1 Comment

    Roof coatings are a fast-growing market segment in the roofing industry—and it makes good sense why that is the case. Application of a roof coating on a new or existing roof can provide
    added durability, extend roof service life, save on energy costs, and avoid the hassle and expense of a full tear-off and replacement.

    COATING TYPES

    Roof coatings come in many formulations and are appropriate for installation over all roof system types. The first question many have is which coating is appropriate for which substrate?

    A reflective coating has been applied to a hybrid asphaltic roof. PHOTO: GAF

    A reflective coating has been applied to a hybrid asphaltic roof.
    PHOTO: GAF

    Coatings are most broadly divided into asphaltic- and polymer-based materials. Asphaltic-based coatings are solvent-based “cut backs” or water-based emulsions. They can be black or aluminized. They have the ability to be used in cold and inclement weather. Aluminized coatings are used when a reflective and ultraviolet-, or UV-, stable asphalt coating is needed.

    The most common polymer-based coatings include acrylics, polyurethanes and silicone coatings. Acrylic water-based coatings are ideal for high UV environments where a reflective roof is desired. They can be colored but generally are sold in white, tan and gray. Many specialized versions are made to be compatible with specific substrates. Polyurethane coatings are typically solvent-based and come in two main types, aromatic and aliphatic. Urethanes have good mechanical properties and high abrasion resistance. They are suggested for use in hail-prone regions or where a roof is exposed to heavy foot traffic.

    Silicone coatings, like acrylic coatings, perform well in high UV environments where a reflective roof is desired. Often silicone is used in locations where rain is a daily occurrence or if the roof is often wet and experiences excessive amounts of ponded water. In addition, butyl, fluoropolymer, PMMA, polyester, STPE, SEBS and styrene-acrylics can be used to formulate roof coatings.

    Coating thickness (dry film thickness) has an effect on performance. In general, thicker coatings will have increased service life and will provide additional durability regardless of coating type. Also very important is the specification written for each project. Every project is different and every specification should be tailored to every project to ensure the correct coating and application is appropriate for the roof and coating type. Coating manufacturers’ specifications should be the basis for every coating project and be coordinated with project specifications.

    SUBSTRATES

    Asphaltic-based coatings are most commonly used on built-up roof (BUR) and modified bitumen (MB) membranes; they are rarely, if ever, used on single-ply roof membranes. All types of polymer-based coatings are used on BUR, MB, metal and single-ply roofs. There is information to assist with the evaluation and preparation of the substrate in the ASTM standard titled, “Standard Guide for Evaluation and Preparation of Roof Membranes for Coating Application”.

    From a material-quality standpoint, it is important to use products that meet or exceed their ASTM material standards, which are listed in the International Building Code and International Residential Code. Meeting the building-code requirements provides the minimum safeguards for materials used for construction.

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